This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Allison Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/hZ.2ADIB/1780 Message Board Post: For years I have been searching for my Allison roots in Pennsylvania. All I knew was that Matthew Allison and Alexander Allison of Allen County, Ohio, were in Washington County, Ohio (Union Township) in 1819 with a Margaret Allison (probably their mother)and prior to that were in Pennsylvania. They were both born in Pennsylvania (Alexander in 1785 and Matthew in 1800). A few days ago someone posted a file to the US Genweb Archives which was an obituary of MATTHEW ALLISON taken from the Allen County Democrat, dated 26 Aug 1880. It reads as follows: MATTHEW ALLISON was born on the 25th day of August, 1800, in BELMONT COUNTY, PENN. On first coming to Ohio he settled in Fairfield County. In 1827 he came to that part of Ohio which is now in Bath Township, Allen County, and settled on the farm on which he has ever since resided. In 1837, just forty-three years ago last April, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Thompson, a sister of Adam Thompson of this county. Mrs. Allison, although well up in years, is as cheerful and sprightly as a girl. They have had born to them twelve children, eight of whom are still living, as follows: William, who is unmarried, residing in Cloud County, Kansas; james, jacob, Andrew, and John, all married and reside in Allen County; Nancy Jane the youngest, is unmarried and lives with her parents; Margaret, intermarried with William Meeks of Perry Township and Rebecca intermarried with Geo. Tafflinger, who resides on the County Infirmary farm. Mr. Allison has always been an industr! ious, quiet man, with an ear ever open to the cry of distress and a hand ever ready to afford relief. We need not say that all who know Mr. and Mrs. Allison love and respect them." Now, my problem is - THERE IS NO BELMONT COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA!!!! As far as I can ascertain, there never was a Belmont County, PA. Does anyone have any idea what this could mean? I believe there are several Belmont towns/cities/districts in Pennsylvania. I also know there is a Belmont County, Ohio near to Washington County, Ohio, but all records for these two men indicate that they were born in Pennsylvania, not Ohio. Can anyone help? I can't believe that I finally get a break and then get stumped again!!!